Long Distance

GUEST HOST: JANE CURTIN

Two stories about traveling long distances, both geographically and emotionally.

Description

A story by science fiction master Ray Bradbury read by Boyd Gaines. “The Strawberry Window” may be set on Mars, but it’s really about what makes a home, no matter where you are. Then author Megan Mayhew Bergman writes about the country's first integrated all-woman jazz band and a secret romantic relationship. The story is read by Anika Noni Rose.

Guest host Jane Curtin presents two stories about traveling long distances, both geographically and emotionally. First, a story by science fiction master Ray Bradbury. “The Strawberry Window” may be set on Mars, but it’s really about what makes a home, no matter where you are. Bradbury was the author of such classic works as The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, and Fahrenheit 451, as well as short stories including "The Veldt" and “All Summer in a Day.” Boyd Gaines read this story at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Gaines is a Tony Award-winning actor whose work on stage includes “The Heidi Chronicles,” “She Loves Me,” “Twelve Angry Men,” “Journey’s End,” and “An Enemy of the People.” On television he’s appeared on “Law & Order” and “The Good Wife,” among many other programs.

Our second story began as a feature assignment for author Megan Mayhew Bergman, who was asked to write about the country's first integrated all-woman jazz band, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm for The Oxford American. But the group's fascinating story--originating in an orphanage, traveling by bus through the segregated South, and playing with some of the greats--stuck with her. As did the characters of Tiny Davis and Ruby Lucas, who were in a romantic relationship that heightened the tensions and challenges of their professional lives. In an interview with us, Bergman said she wanted to focus on these two women, celebrate their 40-year bond, and their husky, music- and smoke-filled voices, beautifully rendered by reader Anika Noni Rose.

Anika Noni Rose won a Tony Award for her role in “Caroline, or Change,” and has also appeared on Broadway in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof “ and “A Raisin in the Sun.” She is known for her film and television work in “Dreamgirls,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “For Colored Girls,” “The Good Wife,” “Roots,” “Bates Motel,” “Power, “ “Assassination Nation” and currently, “The Quad.” Rose was the recipient of the NAACP’s 2018 Trailblazer Award, presented at the organization’s 27th Annual Theatre Awards.